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28 Oct 2013

It must be almost Halloween cos I've been seeing sooo many themed recipes and projects. Will you be having a Halloween themed party this year? Seeing all these cute things makes me want to have some friends around and put on some crazy makeup and costumes. I've put together my faves for Halloween inspired food, DIY's and even costumes, some of these you can even do with/for your little ghouls and witches!

1. Googly Owl Cupcakes

These super cute cupcakes are perfect as a little treat before the real night owls come out. There are a few recipes around but I think these ones from 6 Bittersweets made with Oreos are the cutest around.

2. Witches' Brew

Don't worry about the calories in this colour changing party beverage as it's low carb and made from all natural ingredients. Don't believe me? Check it out here

3. Bats Swarm Wall Decor

Spookify your walls with these easy to make paper bats from Craft Passion. Printable templates are provided in the tutorial. I'm thinking these would look amazing as a photo booth backdrop!

4. Mini Ghost Pinatas

You can make sure everyone gets enough treats with a few of these DIY ghost pinatas from Oh Happy Day. Fill them up with your favourite sweets and get whacking!

5. Dip Die Glitter Pumpkins

I love sparkles and this tasteful way of decorating a pumpkin could be perfect for a classy Halloween themed dinner party. I would even keep this in my lounge all year long! Thanks to the guys at P.S Heart for this glittery tutorial.

6. Doily Pumpkins

The warm, homely doily pumpkin from Allyson Baker Designs is my pick from them all. So easy and once you're done with it as a piece of decoration, you can peel the doilies off and cook it up into your fave cup of pumpkin soup!

7. Troll Doll Child

Stuck on what costume to wear for the scary season? Try this look for you or your little wee monster thanks to Jamilia Jean Photography.

8. Breaking Bad

Finally, with this cult show finishing not long ago, I'm sure many people are keen to hang out with Jesse and Walt one last time. I think these guys have done it best! Have a great Halloween and hope you all get loads of treats!

20 Oct 2013

Coffee is one of those things, even if I could, I wouldn't want to give up! Those who are close to me know I've become a bit of a coffee addict. Not only do I make my own cup of latte at home, I've also been experimenting with my own roasts! I'm definitely no pro (and don't have a pro roaster yet) but I'm enjoying roasting and having freshly roasted coffee every week!

After being hit by some freakish storm in New Zealand (lucky I was away in Sydney for most of it), it's finally looking like summer is approaching. Time to let my milk steamer wand rest and bring out the frappe straws!

I always wondered how they make those Java Chip Frappes at Starbucks, and always thought it was Oreo cookie bits they put in. When I was thinking the other day of what to put in my iced coffee to give it something extra, I suddenly clicked! Chocolate chips!

Mocha Chip Frappe

Double shot of fresh espresso coffee (you can use instant too, make it strong and add a small amount of water to make the equivalent of a double shot)

1 1/2 tablespoons condensed milk

1/2 cup milk

1 cup of ice

2 tablespoons of chocolate chips

Drizzle of chocolate sauce (optional)

1. Put the ice in a tall beaker (if you're using a stick blender) or a blender jug.

2. Add condensed milk, milk and coffee to the ice and blend until all the ice has been crushed.

3. Add chocolate chips and lightly pulse for 5-10 secs, enough to break them up a little. Don't over blend!

4. Serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce!

Yum!!!

You can make your own chocolate sauce by mixing hot chocolate powder and water, or buying ready made dessert sauce. If you're trying to be really decadent, make your own ganache-y goodness by melting real chocolate in some cream!

This super easy recipe will be my staple caffeine drink for the summer and I'm sure some of my other friends who usually visit and ask for a coffee will be happy to try one of these mocha chip frappes instead. Have fun!

5 Oct 2013

It hasn't been a very good few months for me as some of you may know if you've been reading my previous blog posts or following my facebook page. Sorry for the lack of activity lately as I've been trying hard to catch up with work as well as stay awake! I'm still not 100% well (I'm at maybe, 50% at the mo) so posts may be a bit spaced out for a while.

It's been feeling a bit warmer lately so I think it's time to change the seasonal wardrobe! Although its been feeling more like autumn than spring where I am, its still good to be able to dress up in lighter, brighter outfits when the sun is out.

One of my favourite multi-season tops is the Karen Walker cotton collared spot jumper from the Fantastique Magnifique 2013 season. It's super cute and great for the warmer days but chilly mornings. My look today is a mix of new and old pieces! The wide waist belt is also from Karen Walker but it's really old! I love the warm tone of the belt, it really brings the outfit together.

Pleats were huge a few seasons ago and I invested in quite a few pleated pieces! This skirt is from Forever New and is sheer with a short inner skirt. My thick chain necklace was from Diva I think?! Something I pulled out from my stash of jewellery!

My gold and animal print ballet flats are from Witchery and they're so versatile I wear them almost everyday in summer - that's why they look pretty worn! Their current season offers lots of ballet flats with cute embellishments.

Thanks for visiting the blog since I've been MIA, hopefully I will be well enough to start sharing with you more frequently! Can't wait to post more fashiony things and yummy summer recipes! See you soon!